We provide cost-effective solutions for large t-shirt orders that don’t sacrifice quality. Whether you’re ordering for a business, school, or event, we help you save on custom apparel with smart design, bulk pricing, and efficient production options.
Managing large t-shirt orders can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re watching your budget. But it doesn’t have to mean cutting corners. With the right strategies in place, you can create high-quality, great-looking shirts that meet your needs and stay within your spending limits.
At MyInkADo, we’ve helped countless clients—from corporate teams to schools and nonprofits—maximize their budgets without compromising on design, comfort, or durability. Here’s how to keep your t-shirt costs down while still delivering shirts your team, guests, or customers will be proud to wear.
Plan Early and Order in Bulk
Last-minute orders almost always cost more. Planning your project with a clear timeline gives you flexibility in materials, design, and shipping—which helps avoid rush fees and errors.
Bulk ordering is where the biggest savings happen. Screen printing, in particular, becomes significantly cheaper per shirt as your quantity increases. That’s because once the screens are set up, printing additional shirts is quick and efficient.
Cost-saving tip:
- Combine orders for different departments, events, or campaigns into one larger print run. This allows you to meet price break thresholds and reduce your per-unit cost.
Keep the Design Smart and Simple
While complex designs can look stunning, they’re often more expensive to produce—especially with multi-color screen printing. The more colors your design has, the more screens we need to create, which adds to the cost.
To save money without sacrificing impact, go for clean, bold designs that use 1–2 colors. High contrast prints (like white on navy or black on gray) often look the sharpest and are easy on the budget.
What works well:
- Single color logos with strong outlines
- Creative use of negative space
- Minimalist graphics or slogans
- Centered chest or back prints (standard placement = no extra cost)
Our design team can help simplify artwork while preserving your visual identity and message.
Choose the Right Shirt Style and Material
Not all t-shirts are created equal. That doesn’t mean you need to go with the cheapest option—it means choosing a balance of comfort, style, and price based on how the shirt will be used.
Here’s a basic breakdown:
| Shirt Type | Best For | Budget Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Cotton Tee | Giveaways, one-time events | Lowest cost |
| Cotton/Poly Blend | Staff uniforms, active use | Mid-range cost |
| Ringspun Cotton | Merchandise, client gifts | Higher-end value |
Need shirts for volunteers? Go basic. Launching new merch? Consider a softer fabric that customers will wear more often. The key is matching the shirt’s quality with its purpose to avoid overspending.
Stick with Standard Sizes and Styles
Custom cuts or specialty fits add to production complexity and cost. When possible, stick to standard unisex t-shirts for your main order. They’re easier to source in bulk, have more color options, and fit a wider audience.
If you want to offer fitted or premium options, consider doing a small secondary run instead of making it the standard. That way, you’re not driving up your base cost for the entire order.
Bonus tip: Avoid exotic colors or rare sizes that could delay production or require special ordering fees.
Work With a Print Partner Who Offers Guidance
A good printer doesn’t just hit “print”—they help you make smart choices. At MyInkADo, we act as your partner in the process, offering recommendations that can help you save money and avoid unexpected costs.
Here’s how we help you stay within budget:
- Suggesting the best print method for your needs
- Helping with design adjustments that reduce costs
- Offering bulk pricing tiers with full transparency
- Providing digital proofs to eliminate costly mistakes
We also handle everything in-house, from screen setup to quality checks and packaging, so you’re not dealing with surprise vendor markups or delays.
Get the Best Value From Every Shirt You Order
Ordering large quantities of custom t-shirts doesn’t have to break the bank. By planning early, keeping your design focused, and choosing the right materials, you can create apparel that looks great, wears well, and stays within your budget.
Whether you need 250 shirts for a school field day or 5,000 for a product launch, MyInkADo helps you find the most cost-effective path to great results. Let us help you make smart, affordable decisions that don’t compromise on quality.
Contact us today and let’s build a bulk t-shirt order that works for your goals—and your budget.
